Individual Consultant- Intangible Cultural Heritage

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Amman

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30-07-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

1    BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION

In 2021, Al-Salt city achieved the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, naming it “The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality''. Its unique architecture and urban fabric have established a profound historical significance, with public spaces serving as a link between homes, religions, and cultures and have preserved the culture of hospitality and tolerance in a melting pot. Over time, these public spaces have fostered social cohesion, bridged diverse communities, and nurtured traditions, acting as catalysts for shared experiences and relationships. The network of open spaces, alleyways, and staircases across the city aided in building strong relationships within and across communities and enhancing the social cohesion between neighbours and maintaining diversity. The socio-cultural architectural and urban attributes of the city make it a unique example of a living heritage with a strong link between intangible attributes (tolerance and cohabitation; urban hospitality and urban social welfare; unique craftsmanship) and tangible attributes (significant architecture, built heritage, and the urban setting). However, the city contends with contemporary challenges driven by an influx of refugees, escalating unemployment, and the consequences of climate change, spotlighting the pivotal role of public spaces in upholding the city's structural integrity and social fabric. The surge in tourism since its World Heritage designation has presented both opportunities and strains, which the city's urban spaces can help alleviate, concurrently fostering local economic development through the valorisation of living heritage. 
This project aims to enhance the socioeconomic well-being and preserve the integrity of Al-Salt City through the revitalization of public spaces and the valorisation of living heritage assets. This project adopts a multi-dimensional approach that is informed by the urban development pressures and challenges that threaten the sustainability, authenticity, and cohesion of the urban fabric of Al-Salt city. After mobilising the stakeholders, this approach consists of 6 key phases (Mobilization Phase, Phase A: City-Wide Assessments, Phase B: City-Wide Strategy Process, Phase C: Site-Specific Assessments, Phase D: Implementation, and Phase E: Monitoring and Evaluation). This will begin at the city level then progressing to the selected public space locations.

Long Description

2.    OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this Terms of Reference is to assess and select economically viable intangible cultural heritage elements based on the results of the intangible cultural heritage inventory conducted at city-level, within the walkable radius of the public spaces. 

Within the framework of the project “Green Al-Salt: Public Spaces and Living Heritage for Socio-Economic Development”, the consultant will take into consideration the following tasks: (a) assess and select economically viable intangible cultural heritage elements, (b) identify 20 specific practitioners for vocational training on intangible cultural heritage.

3.    OUTCOMES

Outcome 1: Strengthen urban governance on designing, managing, and maintaining public spaces in Al-Salt City. 

Outcome 2: Enhance economic opportunities and the wellbeing of vulnerable communities through the provision of safe, inclusive, and green public space(s) and the promotion of their shared heritage assets. 

Outcome 3: Strengthen capacity of local authorities and awareness of local communities on the importance of safe, inclusive, and accessible public space and their transformative power to enhance resilience and safety of the city.

Long Description

4.    ACTIVITIES

In order to achieve the objective of this assignment, activities include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following tasks: 

A.    Assess and select economically viable intangible cultural heritage elements;
I.    Review the results of the intangible cultural heritage inventory conducted at city-level thoroughly; 
II.    Provide comments on the content and recommendations for the improvement;
III.    Select economically viable (sustainable for economic exploitation) intangible cultural heritage elements from the inventory. 

B.    Submit a report on the results of assessment and selection. The report should include the following: 
I.    Analysis and assessment on each element and its social functions and cultural meanings; 
II.    Selection of the economically viable elements and rationale behind the selection. 

C.    Identify at least 20 specific practitioners for vocational training. To this effect the consultant shall: 
I.    Review the documents submitted by the potential practitioners; 
II.    Provide the list of the identified practitioners with criteria and rationale. 

D.    Submit a duly signed and dated original payment claim. 

Long Description

5.     MISSIONS

The consultant may be required to undertake field missions to Al-Salt as part of this consultancy. The purpose of these missions is to engage with local stakeholders to contribute to the identification and selection of economically viable intangible cultural heritage (ICH) elements.

6.     COORDINATION

The consultant will coordinate with the UNESCO Amman Office in all stages of the work, from the planning phase to the implementation of the agreed activities, taking place in Amman and Al-Salt and liaise with UN-Habitat and relevant national and local authorities (such as Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Greater As-Salt Municipality, Ministry of Culture, etc.) in all stages of the work.

7.     DELIVERABLES

Below presents the main deliverables related to the work assignment to be carried out under the contract.  
    - A report in English on the results of the assessment and selection, which should include: an analysis and assessment on each element and its social functions and cultural meanings; a selection of the economically viable elements and rationale behind the selection, and a list of identified practitioners in English 

8.     CONTRACTUAL PERIOD 

The total duration of the contract is five months, from September 2025 to January 2026.

9.     PAYMENT

The payment for this assignment will be released upon submission of all the deliverables. 

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• Master’s Degree or higher in Sustainable Development, Development Economics, Heritage Resource Management, or other similar fields.

Work Experience 

I.    Minimum of 5 years of experience (and an additional 2 year in lieu of master’s degree) in fields related to intangible cultural heritage, sustainable development, cultural management, or other relevant areas.
II.    Experience working on projects related to intangible cultural heritage, with a sound understanding of its principles, safeguarding approaches and relevant cultural policies.
III.    Demonstrated experience in enhancing the economic viability of intangible cultural heritage practices.
IV.    Proven record and demonstration of experience in similar assignments through concrete examples; 
V.    Experience working in a multicultural environment, preferably in Arab countries; 
VI.    Familiarity with the UN common system, knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations. 

Languages

I.    Excellent writing and reporting skills in English; 
II.    Fluency in Arabic is a must. 

Competencies and Skills 

- Functional/Technical Competencies

knowledge of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, including community-based inventorying and safeguarding measures.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History Form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information in English: 

* Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information above, upload the file at the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application form. 
Only applications with the above requested information will be considered.

I. A statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.

II. A Technical and Financial Written Proposal (4 Pages Maximum) consisting of:

•    A description of your proposed approach and methodology for undertaking the assignment
•    A work plan with detailed milestones and key deliverables/activities as per the terms of reference
•    Up-to-date CV/Resume
•    Comments on the Terms of Reference, if any (in brief)
•    The amount to be charged for the assignment following the below Price Schedule:

A lump-sum amount to be charged for the assignment (excluding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs), which should be quoted in US Dollars 
Please design your payment scheme against clear and specific set of deliverables and milestones as reflected in your work plan.
- Please indicate your proposed Monthly rate (without travel cost) and design your payment scheme against clear and specific set of deliverables and milestones as reflected in your work plan.
* In case of Travel required, indicate estimated cost for travel cost* (round airplane ticket ATK–on economy class only…etc.) indicating travelling from, to and cost.
  NB: Daily substance allowance (DSA) and terminal fair will be according to UNESCO rates applicable to the destination country. DSA will be calculated based on the effective number of travel nights spent away from the duty station if required. 

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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